A comparative analysis of public transport-related carbon emissions in the Helsinki region between 2017 and 2023

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master_Mehrban_Aaqib_2025.pdf (4.25 MB)

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School of Engineering | Master's thesis
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Date

2025-11-22

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Major/Subject

Geoinformatics

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Degree programme

Master's Programme in Geoinformatics
Geoinformatiikan maisteriohjelma
Magisterprogrammet i geoinformatik

Language

en

Pages

67

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Abstract

Understanding how carbon emissions from public transport have evolved over time is critical for advancing sustainable urban mobility. This thesis investigates the change in public transport related carbon emissions in the Helsinki region by comparing data from 2017 and 2023. Focusing on commuting patterns from Espoo to major destinations in Helsinki, the study employs a geospatial data pipeline to process and visualize emissions linked to daily trips. A custom routing and emissions estimation workflow was developed using Python-based GIS libraries and mobility datasets. For each origin-destination pair, the fastest routes were computed within realistic travel constraints (maximum travel and walking time), and only these were included in the emissions analysis. Outlier detection and scenario filtering further ensured data quality and relevance. The analysis incorporates destination-specific comparisons for instance, to the Central Railway Station, Pasila, and Leppävaara and distinguishes between total and average emissions per location. By visualizing the spatial distribution of emissions and changes over time, this work offers insights into post-pandemic mobility trends and the potential for emission reductions. The methodology serves as a blueprint for integrating open data, routing intelligence, and emissions modelling to support low-carbon transport planning and promote evidence-based policy decisions.

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Supervisor

Tenkanen, Henrikki

Thesis advisor

Dey, Subhrasankha

Keywords

carbon emissions, public transport, GIS, routing analysis, sustainable mobility, Helsinki region, locomizer data

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202512159171

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